21:51 GMT, September 5, 2008 TECOM Industries, a Smiths Interconnect company that is part of the global technology business Smiths Group, and German antenna developer QEST Quantenelektronische Systeme GmbH today announced a teaming agreement to jointly produce and market airborne broadband antennas for in-flight connectivity. In response to the growing market demand, the partnership between the two companies aims to deliver antenna products that are technologically superior within shortest time-to-market.

QEST‘s contribution will include core RF components such as the antenna aperture and signal processing modules. TECOM Industries will be responsible for overall systems engineering, antenna positioning and control subsystems, product qualification and certification in addition to after sales support. “The combined strengths of the two individual companies will ensure that all technical and commercial customer requirements are met, thus creating a highly competitive product,” says Michael Stobinski, Director of Sales and Marketing for QEST.

“QEST has shown leading edge technology and impressive development work,” confirms Arsen Melconian, CTO for TECOM. “Together, we have the potential to build and deliver the most advanced antenna systems for airborne connectivity.” QEST CTO Dr. Jörg Oppenländer adds, “Teaming with TECOM Industries will significantly improve the time-to-market of our advanced antenna technology.”

TECOM Industries and QEST have started marketing their combined offering to connectivity systems providers. Both companies will be exhibiting at the WAEA 29th Annual Conference and Exhibition show in Long Beach, CA from September 8 -11, 2008. TECOM can be visited at booth #435 and QEST at booth #369.